Located in the small community of Patea in South Taranaki, the former Patea Freezing Works was severely damaged by arson in 2008. The presence of asbestos and hazardous materials required strategic deconstruction, removal and remediation. For this project nikau was nominated as a finalist in the ministry of the environment's national environmental awards.
Always a contencious site for the local community and Iwi, the Patea Freezing Works, located on the Patea Harbour, had been redundant for over 10 years prior to the arson attack in 2008.
The resulting mass contamination and destruction could no longer be ingored and Nikau was engaged by South Taranaki District Council after a vigourous contractor selection program, based on our ability to not only complete the deconstruction, but more importantly, the hazardous material removal and site remediation so the land could be returned to pasture.
The severity of damage, types and high levels of contamination onsite meant that every aspect of the works had to be conducted under exceptionally high health, safety and environmental standards.
Works were conducted in conjunction with the Client's nominated Envrionmental Consultant who were engaged to undertake extensive sampling and testing. A mobile laboratory was set up onsite so that samples could be analysed in a timely manner to reduce delays to the completion of the project.
Initial advice from Environmental consultants required that all contaminated materials be taken offsite for disposal, however, utilising Nikau's own internal knowledge and expertise, much of the material (including soils) was able to be cleaned and remediated for reuse back onsite.
Despite the enormity of the task, the project was completed successfully ahead of schedule within eight months, and employment opportunities, including training was provided to the local community.
To read the South Taranaki District Council post completion environmental report, please click here.
